South El Monte’s nonleague schedule is essentially its resume for an at-large berth in the Mid-Valley Division playoffs. The Eagles will play FIVE games against Mid-Valley Division opponents and they are: San Dimas, Workman, Nogales, Temple City and Bell Gardens.

Isn’t it beautiful? That covers four of the five other leagues in the Mid-Valley Division. So hypothetically, if the Eagles finish third in the Mission Valley League, which is a decent bet since the MVL looks like a two-horse race between Arroyo and Rosemead, then they will need to get ONE of the FOUR at-large berths in the division.

And who will they likely be up against to get that berth? Teams from Valle Vista, Montview, Rio Hondo, Almont and Olympic leagues. There’s a strong chance that Temple City, Bell Gardens and Workman will also be needing an at-large berth. Heck, if things get crazy in the Valle Vista, San Dimas might even need one, too.

And knowing what loyal readers of this blog know about CIF’s at-large system, head-to-head results are the biggest factor in the formula. Which reminds me, it appears some of you need a refresher in what the criteria will be to determine the at-large berths.

Several coaches in the Mid-Valley Division seem to still be confused about this, which is fine, they’re busy. But it pains me many of them don’t know where to turn for CORRECT info so they’re unfortunately left to speculate with blabbering wannabe media types about how CIF actually determines the at-large berths. It’s a formula, and here it is once again:

(a) Head-to-head competition of teams under consideration (4 points)
(b) Overall strength of the league from which the team is entered (1 point)
(c) Overall win-loss record (1 point)
(d) Strength against common opponents (1 point)
(e) Strength of schedule (2 points, using overall win-loss record of opponents)

Now go back and look at South El Monte’s nonleague schedule and tell me it’s not a beautiful thing that we have what amounts to playoff qualifiers in September. And believe me, The Swamp ain’t the only place this will be happening.